Yreka Miners 2013 gridiron schedule: FB set to get underway soon

The Yreka Miners varsity football team is ready to take the field for the season opener a month from today.

Yreka opens the season Aug. 30 at Trinity High of Weaverville. The Miners downed the Wolves 20-13 to open last season in Yreka.

One game that stands out for longtime Yreka head coach Orlyn Culp is a Saturday, Sept. 7, tilt versus Mazama of Oregon. While the Miners will be the home team, the game will not be played at Miner Stadium, but at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore., the home of Pac-12 power Oregon.

A number of high school teams will be playing games along with the Miners. This is the fourth time Yreka has taken part. Culp said that the squad is still seeking their first win in Eugene against very tough competition.

"It's a great experience for the team," Culp said. "It gives them an opportunity to play in a stadium they have seen on TV. They will be there and be a part of it."

Yreka played Mazama on the road last year and came away with a 21-14 victory. While a fair number of players return for Mazama, Culp said the coaching staff is new and running a new system this year.

Yreka plays four games on the road before playing in Yreka on Sept. 20 on homecoming night versus Klamath Union of Oregon. Culp said while they have to wait a bit to play at home, it's worth it for the chance to play up in Eugene.

A positive in this year's schedule, Culp said, is that the Miners have 3-out-of-5 Northern Athletic League games at home in 2013, compared to two last year.

Last year was a positive one for Yreka as the squad finished the season 7-4 overall and 2-3 in the NAL while earning a playoff berth.

Culp said that the NAL will be strong again this season and is excited for his squad to have three games at home, the first coming on Oct. 11 versus Anderson

"I think we'll be competitive this year," Culp said. "If we do our job, we should contend for a playoff spot."